Integral Abutment Bridge Behavior: Parametric Analysis of a Massachusetts Bridge

Integral abutment bridges are often a preferred bridge type for moderate spans throughout the United States. However, design methods and construction details vary from state to state. Variations between states are noted in the methods employed to accommodate deformations in the piles. The significance of these differences was evaluated through a finite-element study. The effects of backfill properties and soil restraint on piles were evaluated with regard to bridge distortions and maximum moment realized in the piles. Results show that bridge expansion is predominantly affected by backfill conditions, whereas contraction is influenced by pile restraint conditions. Pile moments are minimized when denser backfill and lower pile restraint are provided. The influence of abutment soil-structure spring modeling assumptions is addressed. Models were calibrated to the reference bridge at Orange-Wendell, Mass, which has been instrumented and data collected for 4 years.     

Seismic Performance of Multisimple-Span Bridges Retrofitted with Link Slabs

During earthquakes multisimple-span bridges are vulnerable to span separation at their expansion joints. A common way of preventing unseating of spans is to have cable or rod restrainers that provide connections between adjacent spans. Alternatively, dislocation of the girders can be controlled with a link slab that is the continuous portion of the bridge deck between simple spans. Seismic retrofit with link slab should be more cost-effective than the existing methods when it is performed during redecking or removal of expansion joints. Maintenance cost associated with expansion joints could also be reduced. This paper discusses the use of link slabs for retrofit of seismically deficient multisimple-span bridges with precast, prestressed concrete girders. The concept is equally applicable to bridges with steel girders. Analytical studies for typical overpasses were performed to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed link slab application. A simple preliminary design procedure was also developed.     

Moments in human leg joints during walking

An automated method is developed to obtain the moments of internal forces in the leg joints during walking. A considerable variability of joints moments is observed, which sufficiently exceeds that of the kinematic parameters of walking. For normal walking three different types of joints moments can be distinguished. The formal foundation for the variability of the moments is given, and a hypothesis is proposed, according to which the variability is associated with the keeping of equilibrium.     

Intestinal lymph absorption of butter, corn oil, cod liver oil, menhaden oil, and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid ethyl esters in rats

The purpose of this work was to develop a computer program that assists optimization of controlled-release devices, both visually and mathematically, using response surface methodology (RSM). A Windows-based computer program, Optima, which interactively implemented a number of subroutines for the optimization procedure, was developed. Optima is an integrated, user-friendly, and graphically oriented program for pharmaceutical dosage form optimization. Central composite design is implemented in the program. First- and second-order models containing up to five variables can be fitted to the data. The user can also choose between linear and exponential individual desirability functions, and use them to construct an overall desirability function that combines all the response variables in a single response. The program can predict the optimum levels of experimental variables, with respect to individual responses and/or the overall desirability. Optima has been successfully used in the development of sustained-release AZT-loaded microspheres. During the optimization process, three experimental variables were investigated and four responses were measured. The experimental design was a central composite design that was generated by the program. The response values were used by the program to calculate the individual desirability functions, which were then combined into an overall desirability function. The individual responses as well as the overall desirability function were optimized by fitting to a second-order polynomial equation. The response surfaces were generated and optimum levels of the experimental variables were predicted. The observed responses of the optimized formulation were very close to those predicted by Optima. The program proved to be a very useful, integrated tool for optimization of the controlled-release microspheres.     

A noninvasive, three-dimensional spinal motion analysis method

STUDY DESIGN: A three-dimensional, noninvasive motion analysis method was developed by monitoring the orientation of the principal axes of each vertebra. OBJECTIVES: To develop a method of performing three-dimensional, noninvasive motion analysis of the spine using computed tomography data. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The concept of using principal axes of the moment of inertia tensor to measure the orientation and position of a rigid body has been applied to the wrist and subtalar joints, but has not yet been applied to the spine. METHODS: Scans were taken of two isolated vertebrae in various known positions. Centroids, area, moments, and product of inertia of each scan were determined using a commercial program. Custom software combined data using the parallel axis theorem to give three-dimensional data for each vertebra. Changes in the centroid and principal axes were used to calculate translation and rotation, respectively. RESULTS: The system accuracy was within 1.0 degree in rotation and 1.0 mm in translation. Some errors occurred in minor motions when a smaller number of scans were used. System resolution was 0.43 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A system has been developed capable of calculating three-dimensional spinal motion based on measurements of a series of computed tomography images. The system has an accuracy similar to that of current motion analysis methods, but future studies will be necessary to apply this system in vivo.     

Study on strip running deviation at exit of heat section in continuous annealing furnace for cold rolling

In order to solve strip reciprocating and quick- moving running deviation at the exit of heat section for vertical continuous annealing furnace, the thermal crown of furnace roller was analyzed quantitatively and regression method was used to determine the impact of roller crown on strip running deviation. And then the alarm program for strip running deviation was established, which can give early warning of strip running deviation and adjust the model parameter and the heating and cooling temperature rate simultaneously. With the application of this system on a continuous annealing machine for cold rolling in Shougang Jingtang Company, the strip running deviation which caused by thermal crown of furnace roller can be solved.     

SiC陶瓷与Ni基高温合金连接件应力的有限元分析

陶瓷与金属连接具有重要的工程应用背景,然而却面临诸多技术难关,连接件的热应力缓解便是其中之一。本文作者采用弹性有限元方法,对采用不同材料作为中间层得到的实际连接尺寸的SiC陶瓷与Ni基高温合金连接件的应力进行计算,并结合各种材料的塑性对连接件的应力进行定性分析。计算结果表明,SiC陶瓷与Ni基高温合金直接连接产生的热应力很大。最大轴向拉应力位于陶瓷近缝区,导致连接件强度偏低或断裂。采用功能梯度中间层或软金属中间层能在一定程度上缓解热应力;硬金属中间层虽然不能缓解应力,但能改善应力分布状态,使最大轴向拉应力迁移出比较薄弱的陶瓷一侧,有利于连接强度的提高;采用软、硬金属复合中间层具有较好的缓解应力和改善应力分布的效果,但却较多地增加了连接件的界面,有可能导致负面效应,在实际工程应用中需要根据具体情况,权衡利弊,综合考虑。     

Improved Geometric Design of Bridge Asphalt Plug Joints

Asphalt plug joints (APJs) have several advantages over traditional bridge joints. They are easy and cheap to install and have good surface flatness. However, widespread application of APJs in bridges has been hindered by frequently observed premature failures. Detailed finite-element simulations are conducted to develop a better understanding of the parameters that influence APJ response under traffic and thermal loading conditions. The computational model employs a time and temperature dependent viscoplastic material model and is validated by comparing model results to previously published experimental data. The key parameters investigated are gap plate width, gap plate thickness, gap plate edge geometry, and geometry of the interface between pavement and APJ. The resulting information is synthesized into a proposed alternative APJ design that minimizes local demands deemed to be responsible for the observed early failures.     

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cisplatin in patients with cancer: analysis with the NONMEM program

The purpose of this study was to examine if strong correlations reported for a back lift task between activity (EMG) of two-joint rectus femoris (RF), hamstrings (HA), and gastrocnemius (GA) and the difference in the joint moments could be predicted by minimizing an objective function of minimum fatigue. Four subjects lifted barbell weights (9 and 18 kg) using a back lift technique at three speeds normal, slow, and fast. Recorded ground reaction forces and coordinates of the leg joints were used to calculate the resultant joint moments. Surface EMG of five muscles crossing the knee joint were also recorded. Forces of nine muscles were calculated using static optimization and a minimum fatigue criterion. Relationships (i) (RF EMG-HA EMG) vs (knee moment hip moment) and (ii) GA EMG vs. (ankle moment knee moment) were closely related (coefficients of determination were typically 0.9 and higher). Qualitatively similar relationships were predicted by minimizing fatigue. Gastrocnemius and hamstrings had the agonistic action at both joints they cross during load lifting, and their activation and predicted forces increased with increasing flexion knee moments and extension ankle and hip moments. The rectus femoris typically had the antagonistic action at the knee and hip, and its activation and predicted force were low. Patterns of predicted muscle forces were qualitatively similar to the corresponding EMG envelopes (except in phases of low joint moments where accuracy of determining joint moments was presumably poor). It was suggested that muscle coordination in load lifting is consistent with the strategy of minimum muscle fatigue.     

The three-dimensional determination of internal loads in the lower extremity

A three-dimensional model of the lower limb containing 47 muscles was developed to study the differences between a two- and three-dimensional approach for determining internal loads, the role of the dynamic joint representation, and the behavior of different load-bearing criteria in walking and running. The problem of redundancy of the musculo-skeletal system was resolved by applying inverse dynamics and static optimization methods. Different hypothetical load-bearing capabilities of hinge, spherical and intermediate joint types for the knee and the ankle joints were tested. It was found that even almost planar movements such as walking and running are associated with significant three-dimensional intersegment moments, especially in the frontal plane. Thus, a two-dimensional approach may underestimate internal loads up to 60%. It is shown that pure hinge joints are inappropriate for modeling the dynamical joint function of the knee and ankle joints. A more flexible joint representation in combination with a squared muscle stress minimization criterion predicted a lot of synergistic as well as antagonistic muscle activation which was also found in the EMG patterns. The results indicate the importance of muscular joint stabilization in natural human movements. Compared to in vivo measurements it is speculated that the predicted force magnitudes are considerably overestimated due to error propagation and still insufficient anatomical models. Thus, increased efforts to improve further the reliability of internal load calculations should be made in the future.     

The alliance in couple therapy: Partner influence, early change, and alliance patterns in a naturalistic sample.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the alliance and outcome in couple therapy and examine whether the alliance predicted outcomes over and above early change. The authors also investigated partner influence and gender and sought to identify couple alliance patterns that predicted couple outcomes. Method: The authors examined the alliances and outcomes at posttreatment and follow-up of 250 couples seeking treatment for marital distress in a naturalistic setting. The Session Rating Scale was used to measure the alliance; the Outcome Rating Scale and Locke Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale were used to measure outcomes. Couples were White, Euro-Scandinavian, and heterosexual, with a mean age of 38.5 years and average number of years together of 11.8. On a subsample (n = 118) that included couples with 4 or more sessions, the authors investigated the relationship between the alliance and outcome controlling for early change, and patterns of alliance development were delineated. Results: In the full sample, first-session alliances were not predictive of outcomes, but last-session alliances were predictive for both individuals and their partners. In the subsample, third-session alliances predicted outcome significantly above early change (d = 0.25) that exceeded the reliable change index. Couple alliances that started over the mean and increased were associated with significantly more couples achieving reliable or clinically significant change. Gender influences were mixed. Conclusions: Given the current findings suggesting a potential alliance impact over and above symptom relief as well as the importance of ascending alliance scores, continuous assessment of the alliance appears warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Secondary Prestressing Moments in Rehabilitated Posttensioned Bridges

Typical rehabilitation procedures for posttensioned slab bridges involve removing concrete from the top surface of the bridge, replacing corroded reinforcement, and resurfacing with new concrete. These permanently change primary and thus secondary prestressing moments. Continuous posttensioned bridges often rely on secondary prestressing moments to counteract dead and live load moments over interior supports and thus changes caused by rehabilitation impact serviceability and, particularly, ultimate limit states. An analysis procedure is derived for computing the changes in prestressing moments caused by rehabilitation. The impact of rehabilitation on a two-span continuous voided-slab bridge is evaluated considering rehabilitation schemes where both spans are rehabilitated simultaneously,?or where one span is completely rehabilitated before work commences on the other. Rehabilitation creates concentrated primary prestressing moments at the exterior supports and at interfaces between solid and voided regions that reduce or even reverse the secondary moment at the interior support. The two-span scheme virtually eliminates secondary prestressing moments and, contrary to intuition, the span-by-span scheme has a markedly greater impact.     

Developing an Empirical Relationship to Predict the Influence of Process Parameters on Tensile Strength of Friction Stir Welded AA6061/0–10 wt% ZrB2 In Situ Composite

New families of aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have been developed over the last decade in search of superior properties. Aluminum reinforced with ZrB₂ particles is one such family which has drawn the attention of researchers. Friction stir welding is a relatively new solid state welding which overcomes most of the defects associated with fusion welding of AMCs. An attempt has been made to friction stir weld AA6061/0?C10 wt% ZrB₂ in situ composite and to develop an empirical relationship to predict the tensile strength of butt joints. Four factors, five levels central composite rotatable design was used to minimize the number of experiments. The factors considered are tool rotational speed, welding speed, axial force and weight percentage of ZrB₂. The effect of these factors on tensile strength of the welded joints is analyzed using the developed empirical relationship. The predicted trends are discussed. It is observed that the factors independently influence the tensile strength over the entire range of parameters studied in this work.     

Compatibility or restraint? The effects of sexual timing on marriage relationships.

Very little is known about the influence of sexual timing on relationship outcomes. Is it better to test sexual compatibility as early as possible or show sexual restraint so that other areas of the relationship can develop? In this study, we explore this question with a sample of 2035 married individuals by examining how soon they became sexually involved as a couple and how this timing is related to their current sexual quality, relationship communication, and relationship satisfaction and perceived stability. Both structural equation and group comparison analyses demonstrated that sexual restraint was associated with better relationship outcomes, even when controlling for education, the number of sexual partners, religiosity, and relationship length. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationship between dietary restraint, energy intake, physical activity, and body weight: A prospective analysis.

Dietary, activity, and body weight differences in high- and low-restrained eaters and the independent impact of dietary restraint on body weight change were evaluated in 287 adults (141 men, 146 women) followed over a 1-yr period. Analyses of measures of energy intake, physical activity, and dietary restraint indicated that high-restraint eaters did not differ in physical activity compared to low-restrained eaters at baseline but were ingesting significantly fewer kcal/lb and a higher percentage of the diet from fat. Body mass was significantly greater in both high-restrained men and high-restrained women than in their low-restrained counterparts. Regression modeling procedures revealed that weight and body mass at baseline were related to weight gain in men. In contrast, weight gain in women was predicted by baseline weight and higher restraint scores. Results indicate that dietary restraint is associated with weight gain in women but not in men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of Welding Parameters on Microstructure,Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Friction-Stir Welded Joints of AA7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy

A high-strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy AA7075-T6 was friction-stir welded with various process parameter combinations incorporating the design of the experiment to investigate the effect of welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties. A three-factors, five-level central composition design (CCD) has been used to minimize the number of experimental conditions. The friction-stir welding parameters have significant influence on the heat input and temperature profile, which in turn regulates the microstructural and mechanical properties of the joints. The weld thermal cycles and transverse distribution of microhardness of the weld joints were measured, and the tensile properties were tested. The fracture surfaces of tensile specimens were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the formation of friction-stir processing zone has been analyzed macroscopically. Also, an equation was derived to predict the final microhardness and tensile properties of the joints, and statistical tools are used to develop the relationships. The results show that the peak temperature during welding of all the joints was up to 713 K (440 °C), which indicates the key role of the tool shoulder diameter in deciding the maximum temperature. From this investigation, it was found that the joint fabricated at a rotational speed of 1050 rpm, welding speed of 100 mm/min, and shoulder diameter of 14 mm exhibited higher mechanical properties compared to the other fabricated joints.     

Three-Dimensional Hydrothermal Model of Onondaga Lake, New York

A three-dimensional time-dependent hydrodynamic model of Onondaga Lake, an inland lake in central New York, emphasizing the simulation of dynamics and thermal structure has been developed. The model is based on the ECOM family of models; this version, called ECOMsiz, employs a semi-implicit time splitting algorithm and a z-level vertical coordinate system. Proper assignment of boundary conditions, especially surface heat fluxes, has been found crucial in simulating the lake's hydrothermal dynamics. Formulas for atmospheric radiation and sensible and latent heat fluxes are introduced, which have been found most appropriate for evaluating the heat budget for this midlatitudinal urban lake. The ECOMsiz model has been calibrated and validated against data for two years, 1985 and 1989, representing a wide spectrum of atmospheric and hydrographic conditions in the lake. These two years, marked by significantly different freshwater inputs from tributary inflows, ionic waste loadings, wind forcing, and atmospheric heating and cooling, form a firm basis for evaluating the robustness of the hydrodynamic model. The simulation period chosen for both years, April through October, spans the entire range of lake physical processes as it covers the well-mixed spring condition, the summer period marked by strong vertical stratification, and the well-mixed fall period. Significant differences in thermal structure have been observed in 1985 and 1989 as a result of different meteorological conditions. The mixed layer depth in 1985 is about 3 m deeper (about 9 m) than that in 1989 (about 6 m), consistent with a stronger prevailing wind in 1985. The model has successfully predicted the mixed layer depth for both the years. The model computed total heat storage for both years is in good agreement with the observed conditions.     

Seismic Response of Interior RC Beam-Column Joints Upgraded with FRP Sheets. II: Analysis and Parametric Study

In this paper a procedure for analytical prediction of joint shear strength of interior beam-column joints, strengthened with externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets, has been presented. The procedure is based on the formulation available in the literature. To implement the available formulation for shear capacity prediction a computer program has been developed. Using this program shear capacity of the joint and joint shear stress variation at various stages of loading have been predicted and compared with experimental observations; presented in Part I of this study. Predictions show good agreement with experimental test results. The formulation is further extended to predict diagonal tensile stresses in the joint. The effectiveness of FRP quantity on joint shear strength and on various strains has been studied on parametric basis. It is observed that even a low quantity of FRP can enhance shear capacity of the joint significantly and its effectiveness can be further increased if debonding is suppressed (e.g., through mechanical anchorages). Effect of column axial load on shear strength of the joint has also been studied. It is observed that axial load increases the confinement of the joint core, which in turn increases the shear capacity of the joint.     

The clinical assessment of cancer tests: a statistical approach to the prediction of "false positive" rates from controls

As the sensitivity of the new in vitro cancer detection techniques increases, a larger number of "false positive" results can be expected from control populations apparently free from malignant disease at the time of the test. An attempt is made to predict the number of unexplained positives, together with the expected age and sex distribution, using published cancer registration statistics. The predicted numbers are compared with the observed numbers of unexplained positives in two clinical trials of the MEM test.